Nyagatare Dairy Marketing Cooperative (NDMC)

In recent years, Rwanda has transformed from subsistence to commercial farming, resulting in a high number of improved livestock breeds and increased milk production. However, the raw milk market and milk processing facilities are inadequate and result in low-income for farmers from farming activities. Furthermore, improved animal feeds are scarce and expensive, resulting in high production costs compared to the price of raw milk. In addition, farmers’ access to finance is insufficient and not easily accessed, which results in a lack of operational and working capital. The management of NDMC, in collaboration with local authorities, initiated the activities of milk processing (i.e., yogurt and fermented milk), animal feed processing, and farmers’ SACCO to address these challenges.